The Congress party has cancelled a scheduled campaign visit by Rahul Gandhi to Kolkata, alleging that the West Bengal government intentionally denied administrative clearance. The high-profile rally, intended to bolster the Congress-Left alliance ahead of the first phase of polling on April 23, has now been indefinitely postponed.
The Allegations: “Political Intimidation”
Congress leaders claim the local police and administration acted under the influence of the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
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The Delay: The party states they waited until 6 PM on Tuesday for clearance. Without it, logistical preparations for the Wednesday event became impossible.
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The Motive: State Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar alleged that both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP are “intimidated” by the momentum Gandhi gained during recent rallies in Malda and Murshidabad.
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New Schedule: The party plans to submit a revised request for April 25 or 26, ahead of the second phase of voting.
The Government’s Defense: “Follow the Portal”
The West Bengal government has dismissed the allegations as baseless, citing strict adherence to Election Commission (EC) protocols.
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The Suvidha Portal: State Minister Shashi Panja clarified that all rally permissions must be requested via the official Suvidha Portal between two and seven days in advance.
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Passing the Buck: Panja noted that since the Model Code of Conduct is in effect, the state is under a “caretaker” status, suggesting that the Election Commission, not the state government, is responsible for such administrative decisions.
The High Stakes for Congress
Following a disappointing performance in the 2021 elections—where the party failed to win a single seat—the Congress is fighting to re-establish itself.
| Phase | Date | Status |
| Phase 1 | April 23 | Polling for 1st set of seats |
| Phase 2 | April 29 | Final phase of polling |
| Results | May 4 | Counting of votes |
By aligning with the Left Front, the Congress aims to disrupt the bipolar contest between the TMC and the BJP, turning the 294-member Assembly race into a triangular battle. However, this latest friction underscores the deep-seated tensions between the Congress and the ruling TMC, despite their common opposition to the BJP on the national stage.
